Edward Johnson receives Purple Heart 60 years late

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MAJ. BEN PORTER poses with Bailey Island resident Ed Johnson during the Jan. 21 ceremony in which Johnson received the Purple Heart for his service during the Korean War.
COURTESY OF BETH YORK HARPSWELL — Sixty years wasn’t too long for Edward Johnson of Bailey Island to wait for his Purple Heart. Johnson was wounded by shrapnel on the morning of Oct. 4, 1952, in Kumhwa Valley, Korea, on the last day of his tour.

He received his Purple Heart for that injury on Jan. 21, 2012.

Maj. Bernard (Ben) Porter, who was instrumental in making the medal presentation possible, according to Johnson’s daughter, Beth York, came from Washington, D.C., to present Johnson with the Purple Heart.

Johnson’s wife of 60 years, Connie, had the honor of pinning the medal on his lapel.

In attendance were Johnson’s children, grandchildren, family members, close friends and two former members of the 424th Army Battalion who also served in Korea.

ED JOHNSON, Ed Bicknell, and Charlie Scott served in Korea from 1951 to 1952. Although they were all members of the 424th Battalion, they were not in the same units.
COURTESY OF BETH YORK